Cyprus

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what discussions he has had with the Turkish-Cypriot administration on the number of private properties built in each of the last three years in Northern Cyprus which were purchased by foreign nationals who are neither Greek or Turkish Cypriot; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what discussions he has had on the policy of the Turkish-Cypriot administration in Northern Cyprus on maintaining in good condition the properties that Turkish settlers now live in but to which Greek Cypriots claim ownership; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I met Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister, Mr. Talat on 1 July 2004; I also met Mr. Talat and other Turkish Cypriot leaders during my visit to the island in October 2004. On both occasions we discussed a number of Cyprus related issues. Officials from the British high commission also meet Turkish Cypriot leaders on a regular basis to discuss a full range of issues on the situation in Cyprus, including that of property purchase by foreigners. Through our travel advice and in response to inquiries, we advise potential purchasers of property in the north that there may be significant practical, financial and legal consequences, and we strongly encourage potential buyers to seek independent, qualified legal advice.
	The issue of the condition of properties likely to be affected by the resettlement and compensation provisions of the Annan plan was studied during the "needs assessment" phase of the UN process, with the close support and interest of the UK Government.